20 1 7 EASTBOURNE CAMPUS
CROSS LEVELS WAY EASTBOURNE EAST SUSSEX BN21 2UF
EMAIL : schoolslink@sussexdowns.ac.uk WEB : www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/opentaster-days
YEAR 10 TASTER DAYS
SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE TASTER DAYS The next few years will be an exciting time as you explore all the choices available to you. Our Year 10 Taster Days will help you make an informed decision about your next steps after Year 11. On the day you will have the opportunity to sample real lessons, speak to teachers and students, and explore the campus. TASTER SELECTION Please take a look through this programme for our range of tasters and select five different taster sessions, ranked from your first to your fifth choice. You will be allocated 4x 1 hour taster sessions on the day. If you choose and are allocated a 'double' session this will count as 2 of your 1 hour sessions. SPECIAL CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS We want you to get the best experience possible from your visit to Sussex Downs College so please read the information carefully for the tasters you are interested in and make a note if you need to wear particular clothing on the day. SCHEDULE OF THE DAY Over 500 students from numerous schools will be attending each day. If you are booking through your school you will receive information regarding the date you are to attend and where to register on the day. On arrival at your registration area you will be given your own personal programme for the day. There will be staff and students on hand to help you navigate your way around. Please bring a snack and a drink or some money with you for break time.
08:45 09:45 10:55 11:55 13.05 14:15 15.15
9:45 10:45 11:55 13:05 14:05 15:15
Registration/Welcome Speech Taster 1 Taster 2 Lunch Break Taster 3 Taster 4 End
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3 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Prospectus Our 2018/2019 prospectus will be available online or at your school from September 2017 onwards. It will contain our full range of courses for you to choose from, including entry requirements. Dependent on your exam results we can help you find a programme of study to suit you and your ambitions. Our current 2017/2018 prospectus can be found on our website. Open Events Come along to our Open Events in the autumn term where you and your parents /carers will have the opportunity to speak to our teachers, students and support services and see all the facilities we have to offer. Please see our website for dates and times. Information for Parents and Carers Moving on from Year 11 can be a daunting process looking at the many choices on offer. We have included a guide for parents and carers on our website that will help you to help them navigate their way to their next stage of learning. http://www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/parents-information/
We are looking forward to meeting you. Remember to ask lots of questions, and enjoy your day!
4 ART & DESIGN DRAWING
Drawing can be responding to the world and making images in lots of different ways: mark making and creating space, experimenting with tones and style. Even if you feel you are not very good at drawing you will get a lot from these sessions. Come and make something; come and make your mark! What can I study? Art & Design National Diploma and Fine Art A Level
PHOTOSHOP
We will explore basic Photoshop skills and image manipulation and there are a few interesting twists for those who know the basics already. An introduction to Graphic Design and Photoshop that will leave you wanting more. What can I study? Art & Design National Diploma
PRINTING
A series of experiments with silk screen printing: patterns, stencils and images all go in the mix and you will create something new and exciting using hands-on techniques. What can I study? Art & Design National Diploma
PHOTOGRAPHY
This taster looks at Photograms in the darkroom and Photoshop effects. Find out how to make images work using the dark room, the enlarger and the chemicals that make up black and white photography. What can I study? Photography A Level
GRAPHICS
An introduction to graphic design and graphic communication. Discover the skills needed to plan, shape and make design work for clients to communicate meaning through graphics in terms of type, image and layout. What can I study? Graphics A Level
5 BUSINESS ACCOUNTING & ECONOMICS
We all have to make decisions about what to do with our time, our money and other resources. We need to make the most of what we have to make sure we thrive, not just survive! This taster will demonstrate how the study of economics aims to solve the problem of meeting infinite wants with scarce resources. If you want to be the next Alan Sugar or just run your own small business, a knowledge of Accounting Economics is vital. What can I study? Accounting A Level and Economics A Level
LAW
Are you interested in knowing more about how the law works? How judges make decisions in important cases? This session is designed to give you an idea of the tough issues the law has to deal with every day and how judges attempt to use legal rules to arrive at fair judgements for defendants, victims and wider society. The course is ideal for students with an inquiring mind who are interested in the role law plays in society. What can I study? Law A Level
BUSINESS
Do you have a desire to work in business? This session will offer a taste of the interests, skills and abilities you need to become a successful businessperson. The business world is constantly changing and this taster will give you a real insight. On our popular business courses you will learn about the planning, operating and financial reporting done by businesses, small and large. What can I study? Business A Level and BTEC Business up to Extended Diploma
CATERING & HOSPITALITY CATERING & HOSPITALITY (Pasta workshop)
Come and learn how to produce delicious pasta the professional way. This is a hands on, practical workshop, working with professional chefs. Please wear closed shoes, comfortable clothing (covering the torso and shoulders), tie long hair back and remove jewellery. What can I study? We offer various Catering and Hospitality vocational courses or you can apply for an apprenticeship if you have a suitable employer.
CHILDCARE, HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE EARLY YEARS CHILDCARE
6 (Boys are especially welcome on all Childcare and Health and Social Care courses.)
If you’re interested in working in the Early Years sector or wish to pursue a career in teaching, education services, early years services and health and social care related careers then this is the taster session for you. You will be given an overview of the course contents and have the chance to take part in a practical activity to demonstrate awareness of the attitude needed to be an effective early years educator. What can I study? We offer various Catering and Hospitality vocational courses or you can apply for an apprenticeship if you have a suitable employer.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
Are you interested in a career in nursing, midwifery, healthcare assistant, social work or other caring professions? Would you like to study subjects such as Communicating with Individuals, Anatomy and Physiology, Diversity and Rights, Psychology and Nutrition? Come along to the taster and find out about all these areas and more. Boys are especially welcome on all childcare and health and social care courses. What can I study? Early Years & Childcare Level 3 Diploma, Care and Childcare Level 2 Certificate, Health & Social Care Level 3 Diplomas.
CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION & ARCHITECTURE
(Girls are especially welcome on all Construction courses.)
Your generation needs to start building housing and fast. The UK has underbuilt by 2.5 million homes. Could you help solve the crisis by designing modern homes that are amazing but also really quick to build? Come and have a go at designing new buildings using different scales and materials. What can I study? Level 3 BTEC Construction & The Built Environment
BRICKWORK
See the skilled trades that make up the modern construction industry and try out some basic brickwork for yourself. For all construction trades you must wear old clothes and bring along any protective clothing you may have (overalls, steel toecap boots, goggles, workshop gloves etc). The sessions will consist of 1.5 hrs practical work, and 30 min theory/maths and English used in brickwork. What can I study? Level 1, 2 and 3 Brickwork.
7 CARPENTRY & JOINERY
Find out about employment opportunities for qualified crafts people and try out some basic carpentry for yourself. For all construction trades you must wear old clothes and bring along any protective clothing you may have (overalls, steel toecap boots, goggles, workshop gloves etc). What can I study? Carpentry Level 1, 2 or 3 Diploma and Bench Joinery Level 2 or 3 Diploma
ELECTRICAL
Let us “spark� your interest... What would we do without electricity? No TV, hot food, lights and much more! Electricity is an incredibly powerful thing that can be found right across the natural world from small animals to massive lightning bolts, but thanks to the inquisitive nature of the human species, we have managed to learn about it, generate it and use it to make our lives easier. This session looks at how we harness energy and consists of both practical and theory including maths and English. What can I study? Electrical Level 1, 2 or 3 Diploma
PLUMBING
An insight into the activities you are going to learn in plumbing. The two-hour session is part theory, part practical. If you like working with your hands and learning technical skills in the classroom then this is for you. For this taster day you need to bring in the following: old clothes and any protective clothing you may have (overalls, steel toecap boots, goggles, workshop gloves etc). If you do not have steel toecap boots, please wear sturdy footwear. What can I study? City and Guild Diploma in Level 1 and Level 2 or an apprenticeship if you have a suitable employer.
PAINTING & DECORATING
See the finishing trade of the construction industry. Find out about employment opportunities for qualified crafts people and try out some basic painting and wallpapering for yourself. For all construction trades you must wear old clothes and bring along any protective clothing you may have (overalls, steel toecap boots, goggles, workshop gloves etc). What can I study? Level 1, 2 and 3 Painting and Decorating
ENGINEERING & MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING ELECTRONICS
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In this session you will experience building a small functioning electronic circuit that you can take away. This will involve some theory, demonstration, and practical activities producing the electronic device. You will learn some really useful electronic skills during this session. If you’re interested in electronics then this is the taster session for you. What can I study? BTEC Engineering Level 2 or 3
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
In this session you will learn about fabricating a metal component that is yours to take away at the end of the activity. You will be shown practical fabricating methods, how to work from a plan, learn about measuring, cutting and folding. These are all important skills that you will need if you are interested in pursuing mechanical engineering. What can I study? BTEC Engineering Level 2 or 3
MOTOR VEHICLE: BODY REPAIR
In this session you will design and make something out of metal using your imagination to design it. In the process you will receive a demonstration in welding, painting and preparing materials. At the end of this session you get to keep your design as a reminder of your newly acquired skills. What can I study? Accident Body Repair Level 1 or 2
MOTOR VEHICLE: MECHANICAL REPAIR
In this session you will be demonstrated a repair procedure on a motor vehicle using various tools and equipment. Then you will have the chance to carry the activity out for yourself using the knowledge gained from the demonstration. The question is, can you remember and do it right? If you can then you have just learnt a new skill that makes you valuable to employers! What can I study? Motor Vehicle Maintenance Repair Level 1 or 2
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ENGLISH ENGLISH
Do you enjoy exploring the world around you through language? Or are you interested in how writers make us happy or sad, scared or thrilled? Do you like discussing, debating and analysing English Language or Literature? Come and take part in short activities designed to introduce you to the two exciting English courses we offer. What can I study? English Literature A Level and English Language A Level
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES Tasters begin with a joint French-Spanish starter session to give you an opportunity to meet other students who share your passion for languages. Take part in a fun group activity before exploring how learning a foreign language and learning about other cultures can be an enriching experience at College and beyond, as well as give your career prospects a boost at the same time. Then take part in a session in French or Spanish...
FRENCH
Bonjour, bienvenue. Are you interested in learning about the language, culture, history and current affairs of the French speaking world? If so, studying a language at A Level could be for you. Lesson activities include listening to radio and TV broadcasts, conversations with a native speaker, reading magazines and online newspapers, writing articles and practising grammar and translation skills. If you’ve always wanted to learn to speak and write French fluently and you are currently studying GCSE French, then this taster session is for you. What can I study? French A Level
SPANISH
Hola a todos! Do you enjoy the challenge of speaking in another language? Would you like to work abroad, developing your language expertise to help your career prospects? Studying a language at A Level could be for you. Lesson activities include watching Spanish films, reading Spanish newspapers, understanding grammar, and conversations with your Spanish teacher. What can I study? Spanish A Level
10 FLORISTRY FLORISTRY
An opportunity to explore the career paths available in Floristry and try out some of the skills involved in this industry. Please wear closed in, low heeled shoes and clothes which are suitable for working in a professional environment, e.g. comfortable/smart/covering the torso. You will get to learn some basic practical skills such as how to create a corsage for a formal event. What can I study? Level 1 & 2 Floristry
HAIR & BEAUTY BEAUTY THERAPY
An opportunity to explore the career paths available in Beauty Therapy and try out some of the skills involved in this industry. Please wear closed in, low-heeled shoes and clothes suitable for working in a professional environment, i.e. comfortable/smart/ covering the torso. What can I study? Level 1 Hair and Beauty, Level 2 Beauty Therapy
HAIRDRESSING
Learn about the many and varied career paths open to you in this area. You will also get to learn some basic hands-on practical skills. Please wear closed in, low-heeled shoes and clothes which are suitable for working in a professional environment, i.e. comfortable/smart/covering the torso. What can I study? Level 1 Hair & Beauty and Level 2 Hairdressing or an apprenticeship if you have a suitable employer.
HUMANITIES GEOGRAPHY
There has never been a better or more important time to study Geography. With growing interest in issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and globalisation, Geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Please come along to this informal session to find out more. What can I study? Geography A Level
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HISTORY
Do you think history repeats itself? Do you want to know more about the key events that have shaped the last 150 years of global history? Do you like thinking for yourself and challenging received opinions about the present? Then join us for a lively investigation of the past. What can I study? History A Level
POLITICS
This session will provide different insights into aspects of the world we live in, both past and present, and will give you the chance to voice your opinions on the political world around us. During the session you will experience activities to support your understanding of the subjects. What can I study? Politics A Level
SOCIOLOGY
Sociology looks at a wide range of social issues. The course will require you to develop a critical view of the world we live in through questioning, discussion and evaluation. Sociology is about understanding society in all its variety, and exploring the complex relationships between us all as human beings. Topics include sexism, racism, crime, religion, education, the family, equality and a whole range of other areas of debate. What can I study? Sociology A Level
PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy focuses on the benefits of thinking and questioning without expecting definite answers. It exercises our intellectual and imaginative abilities, teaches us how to build and evaluate arguments and lets us explore a range of the key concepts in philosophy such as how do we gain knowledge, what is a mind and how do we make ethical decisions? What can I study? Philosophy A Level
12 IT & COMPUTING COMPUTER SCIENCE
An entirely practical session where we will use some simple programming to create animations. You do not need any particular skill with computers, just be able to use a mouse and a keyboard and have a good imagination! You will also receive some information about the course as a whole. What can I study? Computer Science A Level
DIGITAL AND WEB TECHNOLOGY
This session will give you an in depth overview of our new digital technology courses, Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner and Application and Web Development. As well as a discussion on career pathways, we will look at progression routes to Higher Education. In the second part of the session we will carry out practical exercises with Web Technology and Virtual Reality and look at how they are used in a modern business context. What can I study? Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner and Application & Web Development
MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS
On the A Level course you will study the content of the new A Level EDEXCEL maths syllabus which consists of the study of pure mathematics and the study of the application of mathematics in Mechanics and Statistics. Topics include algebra, trigonometry, and calculus and coordinate geometry, amongst others, and basic applications of mathematics in Mechanics and Statistics. What can I study? Mathematics A Level and Further Mathematics A Level
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MEDIA, FILM & DIGITAL MEDIA STUDIES
Ever wanted to design and lay out a media product? This taster is designed to introduce you to the visual language of media as well as a practical activity to apply what you have learnt. This is ideal for students wishing to pursue Media Studies at Advanced Level. What can I study? Media Studies A Level. This can be taken alongside other A Levels such as Photography, Graphics & English Language that complement Media as a mixed programme.
TV PRODUCTION
Ever wondered how a live television studio works? This workshop gives aspiring broadcasters a chance to prepare scripts, conduct interviews, operate lights, sound and TV camera equipment as well as basic production and directing. What can I study? Creative Media Production Diplomas. TV Production is one of the main elements of our full-time Creative Media Production course here Sussex Downs. Other areas of the course include: Film & TV production, animation, photography, graphic design, radio production and journalism.
RADIO BROADCASTING
A chance to see for yourself and participate in the workings of a radio station. Working in a small team to compile a show consisting of music, interview and live material. Please bring a memory stick if you want to take your programme home with you. What can I study? Creative Media Production Diplomas. Radio is one of the main elements of our full-time Creative Media Production course here at Sussex Downs. Other areas of the course include: film & TV production, animation, photography, graphic design and journalism.
14 PERFORMING ARTS & MUSIC PERFORMING ARTS & DRAMA
Enjoy a performance workshop exploring the skills and qualities required to develop in our Performing Arts, Drama and Theatre Studies courses. You will get the opportunity to explore a whole range of your performance skills. Please wear appropriate clothing for a practical fun session. What can I study? Drama A Level, Performing Arts BTEC
MUSIC
An introduction to our music offer, including some music creation using logic in our midi mac suite. Take a tour of the department and sit in on a basic recording session looking at using microphones, outboard equipment and other industry standard equipment. You will also be able to meet some of the music team who all have links and experience in the music industry. What can I study? Music Performance and Production BTEC
PUBLIC UNIFORMED SERVICES PUBLIC UNIFORMED SERVICES
An introduction to the Public Services course, experience a typical scenario of dealing with an incident, take part in a problem solving challenge, teamwork task and outdoor command tasks. You will need to wear clothes suitable for outdoors such as tracksuit bottoms and trainers. When applying to college there are options to study this course at various levels. What can I study? Public Uniformed Services NCFE Diploma, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Award
15 SCIENCE BIOLOGY
Can you explain why you look different to your friends? Can you explain why identical twins have different fingerprints? The key question that underpins Biology is ‘how does life work?’ Explore the subject that unravels the mysteries of life including the complexities of the human body in both health and disease. Biology is ideal if you wish to pursue a medical or Science related career e.g. medicine, nursing, dentistry or veterinary science. What can I study? Biology A Level
CHEMISTRY
Do you know why soap removes dirt from your hands? Do you know how dynamite works? If you love chemical reactions then this is the subject for you! Chemistry focuses on learning more about the molecules that are all around us! This taster provides a fantastic insight into A Level Chemistry. Ideal if you are interested in a chemical-based career. What can I study? Chemistry A Level
PHYSICS
Can you explain how stars are formed or how electricity works? Delve into a subject which helps to explain how the universe works! Physics focuses largely on discovering more about sub-atomic particles and forces that we cannot see! Discover physics in the real world and explore the job opportunities open to you in the future if you want to pursue this chosen career path. What can I study? Physics A Level
PSYCHOLOGY
Why do we behave and think the way we do? How much does nature impact over nurture? Why does our body go into fight or flight mode at the thought of impending exams? Psychology explores human behaviour and students have gone on to future careers in Psychology, Teaching, Advertising and Law. Psychology is a science of evaluative thinking and analysis. What can I study? Psychology A Level
16 BTEC APPLIED SCIENCE
Are you interested in learning how to extract DNA? Could you have what it takes to analyse a crime scene? If you enjoy learning through a hands-on approach involving research and practical experiments and prefer assessments through coursework, then this is the course for you! In this session, you will use analytical techniques to identify an unknown chemical compound. Career paths include Forensics, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Biomedical Science. What can I study? BTEC Applied Science or BTEC Forensics
SPORT & FITNESS SPORT
Following the continued high profile of PE & Sport in society, the role of PE & Sport in contributing to a balanced healthy lifestyle has never been so important. In this taster you will find out more about how the body responds to exercise, the coaching skills important to a coach, how psychology can affect sports performance and more. Wear clothes suitable for outdoors such as tracksuit bottoms and trainers. What can I study: Sport & Exercise Science Diploma, Sport & Physical Activity Development Diploma, Sport NCFE Diploma, Physical Education A Level, Higher Sports Leadership Certificate, Gym Instruction, Community Sports Leadership Certificate
APPRENTICESHIPS APPRENTICESHIPS
Meet our Apprenticeship Recruitment Advisor who can talk to you about apprenticeships, what employers are looking for and how to start your career as an Apprentice. An Apprenticeship is a way for you to earn while you learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification with technical knowledge and practical experience for an immediate job and future career. Apprenticeships are available at Intermediate, Advanced and Higher (degree) level, covering more than 170 industries and 1500 job roles in sectors from Health & Social Care to Motor Vehicle, IT, Accounting and Hospitality. Over 200,000 workplaces in England offer Apprenticeships. Find out more in our Apprenticeships taster session. Alternatively visit the apprenticeship stand at lunchtime for general information on apprenticeships, including the new levy, industry areas and the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship.